Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Friday he is furious at a group of hardcore supporters who are targeting new signing Manuel Neuer because he is a self-confessed fan of rivals Schalke 04.
Germany goalkeeper Neuer made the switch from Schalke to Munich last month, but a small group of Bayern fans are opposed to having the country's top shot-stopper in their team's goal because of his former allegiances.
Rummenigge and Bayern's club bosses met with a cross-section of fans last Saturday and it was agreed that supporters would get behind Neuer to help him settle in Munich.
But when Neuer made his first appearance in a Bayern shirt on Wednesday at their pre-season training camp in Trentino in northern Italy, he received a pointedly frosty reception from a small group of fans.
"You can save as many balls as you want, but we will never accept you in our jersey," read one banner.
Bayern's board have issued a statement saying the fans responsible are no longer welcome at Munich's Allianz Arena.
"We actually thought that this thing was clarified finally," said Rummenigge at Bayern's training camp at Riva del Garda.
"We are all pissed off. These people are not wanted, what they have done is not wanted. I very much regret what they have done."
Rummenigge said Neuer is taking the negative reaction in his stride.
"He is dealing with it calmly and confidently. That shows what a positive person he is," said the Bayern boss.
Rummenigge said Bayern's board have even considered legal action, but the matter is complicated.
"The problem is in the details, because they are not members of our club," he said. "Whoever has not understood yet that Manuel Neuer is part of Bayern Munich is not helping the situation. We have run out of patience."
Meanwhile, Rummenigge has said there is no news on their efforts to recruit Germany defender Jerome Boateng from Manchester City or Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Bayern CEO described City's asking price for Boateng as "astronomical" and said they will not pay the sum, with the Germany defender said to be worth around 20 million euros ($28.5m).
Leverkusen boss Rudi Voeller has said he does not want to sell Vidal to another German club and Bayern are said to be looking now at other options, but Rummenigge is relaxed about the Bavarian giants' midfield.
"We already have a wonderful midfield," he said. "When a transfer is possible at an affordable price, we will do it. Otherwise, we won't."
Source: AFP
